Sourcing electric sheet-metal nibblers from China
Electric sheet-metal nibblers from China carry 2% UK duty; relevant tool parts carry 0%, giving a 0% to 2% range. Check machinery safety evidence for the exact model before sale in Great Britain, and trial cutting performance on your intended sheet. Cambridge China Bridge sources electric sheet-metal nibblers.
UK duty on electric sheet-metal nibblers
Heading 8467 covers tools for working in the hand, including those with a self-contained electric motor. This guide covers electric nibblers that remove small pieces of sheet using a punch and die. For other tools, see the hand-held power tools guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, cordless other electric tools under 8467 29 20 00 and mains-powered other electric tools under 8467 29 85 00 carry 2% duty for goods from China. Other tool parts under 8467 99 00 90 carry 0%. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.
The cordless rows show different supply configurations sharing a code. Confirm classification of the actual tool, kit and separately supplied parts before declaring them; do not assume every replacement punch or die belongs in the parts line. Use finding your commodity code with the specification and packing list.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordless electric sheet-metal nibbler bodies | 8467 29 20 00 | 2% | None |
| Mains-powered electric sheet-metal nibblers | 8467 29 85 00 | 2% | None |
| Other tool parts for nibblers, subject to classification | 8467 99 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the sheet, profile and cutting path
Specify sheet material, grade and thickness separately for mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. Send the actual flat or profiled sheet, intended curves, internal cut-outs and required edge finish. Agree an acceptance trial covering cutting progress, distortion, burrs, chip handling and punch wear.
Specify head adjustment, access around corrugations, starting-hole needs, grip, switch operation and the punch-and-die replacement method. For cordless models, identify the battery platform, charger, supplied accessories and replacement availability. For mains models, confirm the intended supply, cable and plug.
Obtain the exact model's declaration of conformity, English instructions, marking and technical evidence for machinery safety. Electrical, electromagnetic compatibility and battery obligations may also apply according to configuration. UK businesses importing electrical equipment for resale should arrange annual producer registration for waste electrical equipment. Use testing and certification to define the evidence needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of mains-powered electric sheet-metal nibblers; illustrative whole-pound FOB and freight values under 8467 29 85 00, invoiced at £2,025 free on board, with £468 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,493. Duty at 2% is £49.86. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,542.86, so it is £508.57. Import taxes total £558.43; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £49.86 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Cutting: trial the agreed material and profile; check tracking, tight curves, edge distortion, burrs and stalling under load.
Punch and die: check alignment, retention, visible damage, replacement fit and whether supplied spares match the approved sample.
Controls and handling: check switch action, head locking, grip, cable condition or battery retention, and chip discharge during the cutting trial.
Documents and contents: match model identification, declaration, English instructions and supplied accessories to the inspected tool. Record findings through quality inspection.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A demonstration on flat mild steel can conceal poor performance on stainless steel or profiled roofing sheet. A head that cannot reach the required contour, rapid punch wear or sheet distortion can make the tool unsuitable even when its no-load operation looks acceptable.
Unmatched replacement tooling and a changed battery platform can interrupt use after delivery. Another model's report does not establish the ordered model's compliance. Employers should confirm applicable work-equipment and hand-arm vibration duties with HSE; declared laboratory vibration is not the operator's real-use exposure.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on electric sheet-metal nibblers from China?
Finished electric nibblers carry 2% duty under the relevant cordless or mains-powered lines. Other tool parts under 8467 99 00 90 carry 0%. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping duty for these lines.
Can I compare nibblers by motor power alone?
No. Trial the actual sheet grade, thickness and profile. Compare cutting progress, access, distortion, burrs, punch wear and handling under the same conditions.
What documents should I request before buying?
Request the exact model's declaration of conformity, English instructions, marking and technical evidence. Check the electrical, electromagnetic compatibility and battery obligations for the supplied configuration.
What spare parts should I agree with the factory?
Identify matching punches, dies and holders, their replacement procedure and continued availability. Approve replacement fit on the sample rather than relying on catalogue photographs.